How would you differentiate a function such as 4x^3

The general rule for differentiating functions such as 4x^3 is called the power rule.This formula goes by dy/dx of [x^n] = nx^(n-1)Now this may seem complicated but with examples hopefully it should become more clear!For instance, in the example you have used which is 4x^3. You would take 3 as the value of n (as that is the power) and input this into the formula. This would then produce 34x^(3-1) which simplifies to 12x^2.Another example would be to differentiate 6x^-2. The power can be any value so the formula works in the same way! There you take -2 as n which produces, -26x^(-2-1). This simplifies to -12x^-3 which is the answer!

AW
Answered by Adam W. Maths tutor

4151 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Please expand the following brackets: (x+3)(x+5). Give your answer in its simplest form.


3x + 4y + 7z = 12. x=2 and y=-1, what is the value of z to 2 dp?


A bag has 3 red balls and 5 green balls. I take out 2 balls, without replacing them. What is the probability of choosing at least one red ball? Give your answer to 3 decimal places.


Sketch the graph of x^2 + 4x + 3


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning